As a job candidate here, how do you get noticed w/o pissing off the recruiter? Do the employee referrals go a long way? I have years of big pharma experience and can’t even get a phone screen. Is is just luck?
You kinda of answered your own question... 1. you're an "experienced = old" rep with years of experience..that is not exactly an exclusive club anymore given the 1000s of reps laid off over the years. 2. Yep..Luck helps..right place right time 3. Referrals? Heck yeah they help..think about it...I'm a hiring DM looking at 50 resumes of "experienced, award winning" reps..I get a message from someone I know/trust ,it basically reads between the lines.."hire this guy/gal, not an a..hole, works, gets stuff in on time, plays well with others" ,, gee I'll take you any day over these mystery reps... It is very, very, very hard in today's market to pull off getting hired..be pleasantly persistent with recruiters..google this topic for better ideas...work your contacts but it still is extremely hard to get back in the game realistically.. focus on direct hire...contracts are guaranteed to end with no benefits or cushy package.
Thanks for the professional reply. I appreciate it. Had 16 quality years with big awards but displaced a few years ago and trying to get back in now. Even had several employee referrals and have still gotten nowhere. I focused on direct hire for six months but now looking at contract thinking it would be easier to get in. And I’m only 52 but look younger so just need a break. Wish me luck...
Not true re age- quit just throwing things out there- it depends on the territory- depends on the rep- depends on the recruiter- depends on the contract- you can't generalize Some areas are easier to fill with 100's of applicants and some areas areas they don't get many qualified candidates I stopped feeling sorry for myself and realized it was me not the recruiters once you quit blaming others and realize this game has changed there are less jobs than 10-15 years ago not the recruiters fault I do believe recruiters are like anyone else they click w certain people and yes that's who has the advantage but hey if you feel you are getting left out due to your age leave off some of your experience see if you get a call Don't put your graduation year, don't say you have 20 plus years of experience on LinkedIn
As previous posts have stated , plenty of 15+ year reps that have been laid off or just hanging on.. Plenty of info if you google it up to really brush up the resume (please at least change to a gmail email account...that hotmail account from 1998 stands out like a plaid polyester suit) .. no need to go back 20 years ...sell the sizzle and a simple story...practice practice interview questions / answers that will come up...keep it simple, short and easy to understand...BUT look outside of pharma...if you 50+ and looking to get back in, realistically it will be tougher.
I interviewed and the hiring manager (a young male) gave it to me straight - he was not interested in sales numbers, awards, physician relationships or references. He told me that he was 'building a young team and you just don't fit in with that!' He gave me no consideration.
Last poster, if that is true (I doubt it was presented exactly as stated), then turn him in to your state employment commission. The young, inexperienced manager could be terminated for age discrimination.
Its so pathetic reading these responses. you have years of sales experience, and act as if these JOBS are so great. Its hilarious. There are tons of good sales opportunities out there, where you are treated much better than this terrible, micro managed mess. My suggestion to all of you is to wake up and have more confidence in yourself to work other industries. And whatever you do, only work for managers that are in their upper 40s and older. Younger mangers are clueless about sales, and life. And have no class.
